Racing Returns

         Activist runs at Hereford Today

The racing action was abandoned at Plumpton yesterday, but we are back racing at Newbury and Hereford with the jumps action. The all-weather action is at Southwell and Kempton while in Ireland they are jumping at Clonmel.

We are heading to Newbury with two runners Jurancon runs in the 1:25pm novices’ hurdle over 2miles 1/2f with Jack Tudor on board. With Plumpton getting abandoned we switch to here. He finished second at Exeter when we were perhaps not at our best that day. He remains a leading novice looks sure to improve for a step up in trip and can hopefully return back to winning ways.

Lady Balko runs in the 3:35pm Mares’ Chase over 2miles 7 1/2f with Jack Tudor riding. She is a lovely mare with a good amount of ability and an attitude to match. She is tough and really tries for you. She jumps very well, stays very well and I think there is more to come from her.  This is her first try in Listed company and so it is a competitive race even though there is just five runners but I would like to think she has a good chance.

We also head to Hereford with one runner Activist who runs in the 3:58pm Handicap Hurdle over 2miles with Gearoid Harney riding. He couldn't quite back up his win first time out at Leicester back over course and distance last time but he goes in soft ground which he has today.  The heavy ground last time may not have been to his liking. He’s in good form at home and conditions should suit much better today.  Gearoid takes a handy five pounds off and has ridden him to finish second before.  He wears blinkers for the first time in a while and hopefully he won't be too far away. 

News came yesterday that The Jockey Club has acted to boost the chances of a maximum field for the Randox Grand National by reintroducing reserves for the race. They are being brought back partly as a knock-on effect of the reduction in the safety limit at Aintree from 40 to 34.

Three of last nights Premiership football games ended in draws last night, Brentford v Manchester City ended 2-2, as did Chelsea against Bournemouth.  Nottingham Forrest drew 1-1 with Liverpool while West Ham beat Fulham 3-2.  There are four Premiership matches this evening, Everton v Aston Villa, Leicester v Crystal Palace and Newcastle against Wolves all kick off at 7.30pm.  Arsenal are at home to Spurs, 8pm kick off.  

What goes up and down but doesn’t move?

Stairs!

Have a great Wednesday!